Thank you so much Premier & MP Burgess for looking back at our accomplishments in government.
With our Seniors voting next week I want to give a “sneak preview” of what is in store in our Platform moving
forward.
The coming year will be a difficult time for all of us. We will see declining tax revenues resulting from the severe damage to our tourism economy. All of us will have to tighten our belts.
Bermuda, we will have some tough choices to make. One very important choice will be to protect our seniors’ pensions. As MP Burgess said the PLP kept its promise to increase seniors’ pensions by the rate of inflation every year, and we will keep that promise again if the PLP forms the next Government.
The PLP reveres its Seniors. In response to this growing segment of our community and recognizing the value that keeping them engaged has to their quality of life, purpose and worth, the next PLP government will:
● Continue to increase seniors’ pensions every year by the rate of inflation
● Take into account that we are living longer and in the development of all of our policies
● Will finalise a National Seniors Strategy which will include a strategy for dementia and a better prevention plan for seniors’ abuse
● Facilitate the construction of Seniors Housing in the City of Hamilton that allows Seniors to downsize their accommodation with easy access to support services that enable them to age well
● Create partnerships with the private sector to create or renovate seniors’ recreational centers using existing government buildings to provide more spacious, accessible and energy efficient buildings.
● Enact laws to reduce age discrimination so thhat Bermudians over 65 who wish to continue working are able to do so
● Reduce vehicle licence fees
● Eliminate Land Taxes for Nursing Homes and Rest Homes
● Market the Interest Free Home Improvement Loan program to persons 50 years and older in preparation for ageing at home when they are in the position to repay the loan.
In these very difficult times, Bermuda needs safe hands to see us through a potential second global wave of the Coronavirus pandemic. At the end of the day, this election is about who will lead us, David Burt or Craig Cannonier and which team will see us through.
Next week, your choice is between an experienced PLP leadership with a record of performance who has always looked out for our seniors or you can choose an OBA led by Craig Cannonier that has a record of broken promises who increased pensions once in 5 years and increase future care premiums on our seniors by 30%
In these trying times, we ask for your vote and together, we will steer Bermuda through difficult times while always ensuring our seniors live in dignity.
Thank you